Retaliatory Israel strike hits Gaza rocket launchers

The Israeli military confirmed direct hits on the targeted launchers Monday morning, several hours after two rockets were fired at Ashkelon and surrounding communities.

One of the rockets was intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system above Ashkelon, according to the Israel Defense Forces. A second landed in an open area near Ashkelon. The Color Red warning siren sounded in the area moments before the rocket struck.

The rocket attacks came hours after Israel released the names of 26 Palestinian prisoners set to be freed on Tuesday as part of the ongoing peace talks with the Palestinian Authority. Five of the prisoners set to be released are from Gaza.

On Sunday, two mortars fired from Gaza landed in Israel near the border fence with the coastal strip.

Speaking of the retaliatory strikes, Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, an IDF spokesman, said in a statement that “Hamas must take responsibility for these actions or pay the price for inaction.”